James Gunn re-hired for 'Guardians of the Galaxy 3'

New Delhi, Mar 16 : Months after Hollywood filmmaker James Gunn was fired from the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise, the director is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Disney has finally re-hired him as director of 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Volume 3.

In July, Disney had fired Gunn from the Marvel project after a couple of his insensitive and controversial tweets surfaced on the internet, which he shared nearly a decade ago on topics like pedophilia and rape.

Breaking the big news to his fans, the filmmaker took to his Twitter handle and wrote, I am tremendously grateful to every person out there who has supported me over the past few months. I am always learning and will continue to work at being the best human being I can be. I deeply appreciate Disney's decision and I am excited to continue making films that investigate the ties of love that bind us all. I have been, and continue to be incredibly humbled by your love and support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Love to you all.

Following the firing, Dave Bautista, along with many other celebrities including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and other Guardians stars, came out in support of Gunn. They also signed an open letter to rehire the director for the project.

In October last year, a group of Gunn's fans created a website called 'RehireJamesGunn.com', and paid a sum of USD 4,000 (Approx INR 2.96 lakh) to run the digital billboard.

An online campaign was also started by a group of fans who vouched in favour of Gunn.

After getting fired from the franchise, Gunn had posted a public statement on Twitter, apologising for his insensitive words.

My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don't reflect the person I am today or have been for some time, the tweet read.

After the firing, Gunn migrated from Marvel to the world on DC, where he was hired to write and direct the upcoming multi starrer film 'Suicide Squad'.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the filmmaker is planning on working on both the films, with the DC film coming first.